Can certain foods make you happier?

Here are the top 10 foods that can brighten up your mood, improve brain function and help you feel happier.

Can you find happiness in your fridge? And no, I am not talking about the leftover cake you’re hiding in the top shelf…. Can food really have an impact on your mood? We’ve all felt the effects of overindulging in junk food, but what about eating food that actually helps us feel happier and less anxious?
What healthy foods should you snack on next time you’re feeling blue that won’t add weight to the scale?
Here are 10 foods that will have a positive effect on your mood, help you feel good and can act as an anti depressant.

Broccoli

This vegetable contains a mineral called chromium, which in addition to helping you metabolize food, also increases your brain’s levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin, helping it regulate mood. It also decreases symptoms of atypical depression (like overeating and sleeping excessively). Cook it or eat it raw just get it in your body next time you’re feeling blue.

2. Cashews

One of my go-to snacks when I’m driving, cashews are full of zinc, which has been found to decrease depressive symptoms and even improve the response of antidepressants. A lack of zinc can lead to loss of appetite, depressive symptoms and a weaker immune system. So stack up on cashews!

3.Salmon

Salmon is packed with vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin”. If you don’t get enough sun, especially in the wintertime adding salmon to your diet can help improve your mood! Make sure you’re getting vitamin D from the foods you eat or look for a supplement.
4.Spinach

Popeye’s favourite, spinach contains the mineral magnesium—something that the USDA estimates about a third of people are deficient in. It’s important to get it into your diet—magnesium plays a big role in the development of serotonin, and a deficiency can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. If you’re not a huge fan of cooking it, add it in a smoothie!

5.Chickpeas

Reach for the chickpeas to get your helping of vitamin B6—the vitamin helps the body make serotonin and norepinephrine, which influence mood. Irritability, nervousness, and depression are all signs you are not getting enough Vitamin B6. Humus makes a great dip!

6. Dark Chocolate

N-acyclethanoloamine that`s found in chocolate helps stimulate channels in the brain to release endorphins – the body’s pain-relieving and pleasure feeling chemicals. So, if you have some chocolate you’ll subsequently feel happy.
Studies show that we need 7g per day or 2-3 small pieces a week! So go ahead and indulge!

7. Strawberries

Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining brain health. This particular vitamin fights free radicals in the brain so that it can access dopamine easily.
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that is important for the immune system and skin health .
Plus, strawberries are high in phenol antioxidants like anthocyanins and ellagitannins that protect dopaminergic neurons from damage.
Try to eat more organic strawberries because they contain higher levels of antioxidants, which result in higher dopamine levels.

8.Watermelon

Not only is watermelon keep you hydrated but it it’s high in potassium. A low potassium level can lead to brain fogginess and confusion.

9.Coconut

Coconut, while it doesn’t have caffeine, contains a fatty acid called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These provide a super quick energy boost. The scent is also very soothing.

10.Oats

Oats are one of the best mood boosters with low glycaemic index (GI), So this keeps your blood sugar level normal and and mood stable. Oats also contain the mood-boosting mineral selenium for calming effect. They’re packed with B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and they even contain protein. Oats have been found to be one of the best foods to reduce anxiety, prevent depression, and maintain a healthy nervous system.Try to have a Half a cup of rolled oats in the morning with a spoonful of honey and nuts or yoghurt. YUM!

In conclusion, what we put in our bodies has the power to help us thrive or leave us feeling blah!

If you’re on a path of seeking happiness and purpose, everything counts! The people you surround yourself with, the energy you put you into the world and especially what you feed your body.

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I am a passionate mom to 4 amazing kids that is also obsessed with lifestyle businesses. What’s that you ask? It’s a business that lets you work from just about anywhere you have access to a wifi connection